42nd Street Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

The libretto "Forty-Second Street" was developed by M. Bramble & M. Stewart. Music was composed by H. Warren. Lyrics were written by A. Dubin. From June to July 1980, there were show tryouts. Preliminaries began on Broadway in late summer of 1980. The staging was from Aug. 1980 to Mar. 1981. Then it was transferred to the Majestic Theatre, where it ran from the end of March 1981 to April 1987. Thereafter, the spectacle was in St. Petersburg's James Theatre. It ended in January 1989, after 6 preliminaries & 3486 regular performances. Production was realized by the director & choreographer G. Champion. The show had a cast: C. Cook, J. Bova, L. R. Reams, W. Richert, J. Orbach, T. Grimes & D. Carroll. In 1982 & 1983, there were the North American tours.
From August 1984 to January 1989 in the Theatre Royal Drury Lane was the West End play. Production was directed by L. Victor & choreographed by K. Baker & R. Skinner. The cast involved: C. Leach, M. Howe, M. Lane, B. Verdon & Catherine Zeta-Jones as an uprising star. In April 2001, the tryout began for a second Broadway show, which was held in the Ford Center for the Performing Arts from May 2001 to January 2005 with 31 preliminaries & 1524 regular performances. Production was carried out by director M. Bramble & the choreographer R. Skinner. The musical had a cast: K. Levering, C. Ebersole, M. Cumpsty & M. Testa. In 2007, there was a British tour, created on the basis of a new Broadway show with the following cast: P. Nicholas, D. Willetts, J. J. Nagle, J. Punch & A. Nottingham. In 2017, it is planned to show it in the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, as the new West End version.

Review and Synopsis Update: 42nd Street.

This article adds fresh insights on the revival, cast evolution, and audience reception.

New Revival Cast Details.

In Spring 2025, a celebrated tour version returned under Randy Skinner’s choreography.

• Peggy Sawyer is now brought to life by Elizabeth McGuire—her debut received rave applause for emotional nuance.
• Kristen Beth Williams delivers Dorothy Brock with renewed flair and stage presence.
• Ryan K. Bailer portrays Julian Marsh, bringing Broadway tour experience to his commanding directorial role.

This casting breathes energetic life into the Great Depression era narrative.

Contemporary Review Highlights.

At Gateway Theatre, critics and audiences praised:

• Dynamic tap choreography, especially during the "42nd Street" finale.
• Jazz-infused numbers described as “jazzy, seductive steps, tap, stomp” energizing the stage
• Strong performance by McGuire; Peggy’s transformation "bucks up under pressure."
• Williams’s Dorothy called “superb” for conveying glamorous vulnerability.

Enhanced Production Elements.

Recent staging updates include:

• Subtle set geography improvements—Art Deco flourishes, minimal yet effective spike lighting.
• Synopsis expanded with heightened character backstories—Maggie Jones and Ann Reilly now have moments of internal conflict.
• Tap sequences interweaved with cinematic nods to Gene Kelly in “Gotta Dance” homage.

Box Office and Tour Stats.

Following its UK 2023 tour, the musical launched a US tour in early 2025. Box office tracked strong attendance across regional venues. Audience feedback surveys rated pacing and tap numbers above 90% satisfaction.

Track Highlight: “42nd Street” – Original Broadway Cast Recording.

The song “42nd Street” remains a crown jewel in American musical theater. First introduced in the 1980 Broadway production, it anchors the show with nostalgia, rhythm, and streetwise sass.

Vocal Lead and Ensemble Power.

Peggy Sawyer, originally performed by Wanda Richert, leads this track with bright-eyed ambition. Her voice soars above the orchestrated swirl, inviting the audience into New York’s kaleidoscope of lights, hopes, and dancers' dreams. The ensemble joins in tight harmony, layering jazz rhythms with breathless urgency.

Lyrics that Paint a City.

The lyrics by Al Dubin plunge into the heart of mid-century Manhattan. From “little nifties from the Fifties” to “sexy ladies from the Eighties”, it’s a fast-moving pastiche of eras, blurring timelines, hinting at Broadway’s obsession with glamor and survival.

“Come and meet those dancing feet” is not just an invitation—it’s a declaration. You're not watching a show; you're joining it.

Questions and Answers.

Who is playing Peggy Sawyer in the 2025 tour?

Elizabeth McGuire headlines the role, gaining acclaim for emotional depth and precision in tap work.

How does the current production differ from past versions?

This revival features updated character arcs, refined choreography, and stylized stage design.

Are the classic songs still featured?

Yes, signature numbers like “We’re in the Money” and “Lullaby of Broadway” remain central.

Is the production still focused on tap dancing?

Absolutely. Tap remains a focal, especially in ensemble show-stoppers and final act scenes.

Does this version address contemporary audiences?

Yes. Emotional realism, those small vulnerability moments, ground it in today’s sensibility.